Lake Norman Woman April 2019 by Lake Norman Woman Magazine

FINDING

calm IN THE

MIDST OF

chaos PAGE 40

PRUNING THE

overgrowth

IN YOUR LIFE PAGE 50

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR

spring garden PAGE 24

FEATURING

Naomi Bjerke of Realty Boutique

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LAKE

NORMAN

V O L U M E

X I I

WOMAN

N U M B E R

FIND US ON

from the

women

power

Y E S T E R D AY B E G A N A S A N A U S T R A L I A D AY. That’s what we call

really rotten days in our household in honor of Alexander, the main character of the children’s book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, who after a series of unfortunate mishaps decides he wants to move to Australia. My Australia day started when I woke up already late for a meeting because I had set my alarm for 6:30 pm instead of am. Bolting into the kitchen to turn on the coffee maker, I discovered we were out of Keurig cups. And after showering, I put hand lotion in my hair instead of gel. Then, finally dressed except for shoes, I stepped in cat vomit and had to change my tights. Finding none that weren’t riddled with runs, I changed my entire outfit instead. As I rushed out the door, I snapped at my husband (the coffee thief) and my cat (the offending regurgitator), and forgot all the paperwork I needed for the meeting. Well past the only gas station on the way into town, I realized all I had in my tank were fumes, and turning around, mentally began packing for my trip Down Under. I also started a conversation with God, sure that at this point, my only hope was for him to change my circumstances: “God, if you’ll turn all the traffic lights green for me, I might arrive before the meeting is over; if you could make my cat less gluttonous, I won’t ever be late again; if you could cause my husband to prefer tea, I won’t bark at him as much when we run out of coffee.” God didn’t send me a digestively stable feline or a tealoving spouse. Instead, he sent me the Huntersville cone weed, or at least a reminder of it, through the discussion on the radio talk show I was listening to as I drove. This wily weed had garnered worldwide attention last year when, despite the harshest of circumstances (living alongside a busy thoroughfare inside an orange traffic cone), it had accepted things for how they were and simply bloomed where it was planted. Quite the ambitious one, it grew to an impressive height and stature, blossoming into what may be the most influential roadside weed ever by inspiring a community-wide effort that raised more than $14,000 for charity. In fact, the cone weed made such an impact that, though it met its end at the hands of the department of transportation, its memory lives on in a display at the Huntersville fire station. That mighty sprout inspired me as well. After all, if a weed can thrive in the midst of chaos, surely I can too? I needed the reminder that some days stuff just happens that is beyond my control—petty annoyances like those of my morning, and even terrible, horrible, no good stuff. But like the weed that grew through a traffic cone to fame and fortune, I can strive to make the best of any situation and bloom where I have been planted. Besides, I think vomiting cats are everywhere, even in Australia. w

DANA NIETERS PUBLISHER

APRIL CONTRIBUTORS:

Todd Beasley; Cyndy Etler; Shawn Hall; Michelle Love; Katie Stankiewicz; Dr. Nicole Whitehead

704.895.6168

PO BOX 1000 | CORNELI US, NC | 28031

W W W. L A K E N O R M A N W O M A N . C O M

AD SUBMISSIONS:

ADS@LAKENORMANWOMAN.COM

Lake Norman Woman reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet Lake Norman Woman standards. Submissions are welcome but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Lake Norman Woman assumes no responsibility for information, products, services, or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. An advertised special printed in this publication is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

APRIL 2019

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contents april 2019

FEATURES

michele

EDWARDS

HERE SHE IS: Michele Edwards

MY FAVORITE THINGS: Shelly Quinn

COVER STORY: Where You're Planted â&#x20AC;¦ Fighting, Surviving, And Blooming!

WOMAN TO WATCH: Summer Robinson Tabor

SUCCESS STORY: Lessons From The Barn

LIVE, LEARN, GROW

WOMEN ON THE MOVE

5 THINGS TO DO IN APRIL

SCENE WITH LKNW

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

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ON THE COVER: NAOMI BJERKE OF REALTY BOUTIQUE P H OTO G R A P H Y: CHELSEA BREN

8 FLOWERS THAT BLOOM IN APRIL IN NORTH CAROLINA

46 morgan

RHODES

PHOTO: TONI LOVEJOY

FAMILY 16

The Long View

April Is Autism Awareness Month!

HOME 22 24

8 THINGS: 8 Flowers That Bloom In April In North Carolina Passion In Bloom!

SELF 42

Blooming Through Mindfulness

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT: Always Be In Bloom!

APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH!

40 summer p

ROBINSON TABOR

APRIL 2019

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LIVE, LEARN,

DIG DEEP. JUST FOUR MONTHS AFTER HER

DAUGHTER WAS BORN, MORGAN REALIZED

Life takes practice! And though they don’t always come wrapped in a shiny red bow, the lessons we learn along the

GROWTH IS THE GREAT SEPARATOR BETWEEN THOSE WHO SUCCEED AND THOSE WHO DO NOT.” JOHN C. MAXWELL

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way are invaluable gifts that are worth sharing. Here are a few learned by some of the women featured in this issue:

SHE WAS FACING

DIVORCE. TAKING IT AS

A CALL TO ACTION, AND FINDING THE COURAGE DEEP WITHIN, SHE

RESTRUCTURED HER LIFE CAN YOU BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED?

See how an LKN woman reestablished herself after moving from New York, leaving her familiarities and family behind. Take a peek at page 20 to see how Shelly learned for herself, and passed along to her children, the necessary skills to ﬂourish and love life no matter where you’re planted.

I HOPE YOU DANCE. Learn

how a local professional dance instructor and former Charlotte Hornets Honey Bee built her life and career by creating character, poise, inner strength, demeanor, and self-worth for herself and her students. Her story on page 14 is sure to inspire! KEEP CALM AND BLOOM ON.

After many quiet nights just sitting and holding her baby who was ﬁghting a respiratory virus, it hit her – family! THAT is what it’s all about. Turn to page 40 to see how a local realtor rediscovered her focus and balance in life.

AS A SINGLE MOM. FLIP

TO page 46 TO SEE HOW HER WORK WITH HORSES, DOGS, AND HERSELF

BROUGHT HER DREAMS TO FRUITION.

BE PREPARED FOR DETOURS. Naomi was

a newlywed when a motorcycle accident left her husband out of commission for almost a year. Living in a cramped apartment with her in-laws from Norway who had come to help out, Naomi learned early on how to accept life’s challenges … she shares more starting on page 28 w

APRIL 2019

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FEATURE

here she is i am an LKNw oman because…

Our family has planted ourselves in the area where my husband and I grew up. We’ve witnessed the transformation of the area over the past 20 years and remember when Highway 73 was just a two-lane road from Concord all the way to Denver! It has been humbling to be part of this growth and expansion.

HOMETOWN: C O N C O R D, N C

LKN TOWN:

HUNTERSVILLE

HOUSEHOLD:

H U S B A N D, J A R E N ; DAUGHTER, FINLEY CLAIRE; AND SON, EASTON ELI

Michele Edwards is the owner of Studio 73 Dance located at 102 Parr Dr. in Huntersville. You may contact her at 704.875.9911, or visit www.studio73dance.com.

How did dance become such an important part of your life?

Dance has been my outlet since my mother ﬁrst enrolled me in classes when I was three. I continued to dance through high school and then in college I was selected to be part of the Appalachian State Dance Team. I then became a summer dance program instructor with the National Dance Association, which allowed me to teach and choreograph throughout the Southeast. When I returned home to attend UNC Charlotte, I auditioned and was selected as a Charlotte Hornets Honey Bee for the 1996-97 season. I eventually decided to make dance my career so that I could share my passion for it with others.

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michele edwards How is 2019 a big year for you? Although we didn’t date until college, my husband, Jaren, and I attended the same high school. He proposed to me at center court of the Hornets vs. Pistons game on February 14, 1997, and we married two years later. We celebrated our 20th anniversary this year in January. Shortly after we married, I began construction on the studio, teaching at a local golf club while it was being built. So this year also marks the 20th year that I’ve been sharing my passion with my staff, our studio dancers, and our entire dance family.

How do you encourage your students to “bloom”? We stand ﬁrmly behind

our purpose statement of “Empowering individuals to grace the stages of life through dance.” We strive to inspire each individual who walks through the studio doors to focus on building character, poise, inner strength, demeanor, and self-worth while learning dance. The dance experience for each child will be different, but if we can uplift them in ways that allow them to blossom and grow on any stage of life, not just the dance stage, then we have done our job. w WRITER DANA NIETERS

PHOTOGRAPHER CHELSEA BREN

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family

long view THE

While strolling through a museum, my husband and I came upon a dinosaur skeleton. As we admired it,

I began to tell my husband about this dinosaur’s life

based on what I saw. I knew that traumatic injury was likely what had killed him because he had damage that never had a chance to heal. My “lecture” as an amateur paleontologist continued, showing him where the prehistoric fellow had broken his leg years before. We observed the healed fracture and then he wanted to know how I knew it had been years since the break. The injury left the dinosaur with a shorter leg and an uneven gait, so he developed arthritis in one knee. My husband was blown away by how much I could tell about this ancient animal from his bones, and honestly, I surprised myself with the sudden outpouring of knowledge. Then I realized, I “read” bones every day.

WRITER NICOLE A. WHITEHEAD, DC, CACCP

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Looking at posture and x-rays on an adult patient, I can see a story unfold about what their body has been through. I can see the downstream results of whiplash injuries and falls that were not properly rehabilitated. I can often predict what types of sports or hobbies they did. Arthritis develops over time as we age, but it doesn’t develop evenly throughout the body. Joints get arthritic where there is excess pressure. Just like with the dinosaur, an uneven gait causes one hip or knee to degenerate while the other remains completely fine. Early in my career, I developed frustration over the fact that most of the spine and joint issues that we were treating were preventable. The key was fixing abnormal gait or posture decades earlier. I felt strongly that I needed to

become trained and certified in pediatric chiropractic. By recognizing and correcting abnormal posture and gait during the years where people grow into their adult body, we are literally preventing knee replacements, hip replacements, blown discs, and bone spurs that wouldn’t manifest until middle age or later. By fixing injuries properly when they occur from sports, we are minimizing the chance for long-term issues. Many of my conversations with adult patients begin with, “I had a back injury in high school from soccer/volleyball/ gymnastics.” Kids are so resilient that we often assume their injuries have healed properly just because they get back to activity quickly. My assessment of them as adults says otherwise. Nearly fifty percent of my patients are pediatric. Yes, we handle current issues in many of these kids that help to make their day-to-day life better; however, I spend much of my day doing work that will literally change their lives decades from now. I enjoy helping my adult patients but sometimes what we can do, given the amount of damage present, is very limited. With kids, we have the power to halt a budding issue in its tracks. For those who may not understand why kids need chiropractic, take the long view and remember that they are adults in the making. w

L K N e x p e rt

Dr. Nicole Whitehead is the owner of Advanced Spinal Fitness in Mooresville and is one of only a handful of chiropractors in North Carolina certified with advanced training in pediatric chiropractic. Contact her at 704.663.5142 or at www.advancedspinalfitness.net.

APRIL 2019

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favorite things

DOWNTIME

Shelly is quite eclectic and enjoys a wide variety of activities, including traveling, reading, and visiting her children. Add good food, good wine, good weather, and good conversation to the mix, and you just might see her leap for joy!

SUNSHINE & BREEZES

SHELLY QUINN Her husband’s career brought native New Yorker Shelly Quinn to Lake Norman nearly twenty years ago…and it also brought her a new career of her own. While shopping for the mortgage for their new home, Shelly met with a local loan officer who happened to be from her hometown of Rochester. They began chatting, and when she learned of Shelly’s experience in the financial industry, she suggested Shelly consider becoming a mortgage loan officer herself. As a result, Shelly filled out two applications that day: one for her mortgage and one for a job. She was approved for both. Nearly two decades later, Shelly loves her work as much as ever. She is currently the branch manager of Silverton Mortgage, where she continues to help people get into their dream home. “Every client is unique, so every day is fresh and I learn something new constantly,” she says. “It keeps me on my toes and keeps the brain working hard!” Without a doubt, Shelly’s talents and passions—the traits that make her uniquely her—have helped her become the successful Lake Norman lady she is today. Below, she gives us an inspiring glimpse of the woman behind Silverton Mortgage as she shares some of the things, experiences, and people that motivate her, fill her heart, and bring a smile to her face.

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Back to the good weather…Shelly especially relishes it when she’s at the beach: “I love to go to Folly Beach. It is so relaxing and the beach is awesome for walks and biking. Sunshine and an ocean breeze are hard to beat! I also love the Carolinablue sky, 85-degree temperatures, and ﬂoating in the pool with my hubby while listening to music.”

FLIP FLOPS

“I would wear them year-round (and sometimes I do wear them in the winter, too). I feel relaxed and content when I have them on.”

DAISY MAE “MY GOLDEN RETRIEVER, DAISY MAE, GIVES ME UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. SHE LISTENS TO ME AND NEVER TALKS BACK!” FRIDAY NIGHTS

Stress is a part of most professions, however, being a mortgage lender can be particularly stressful because purchasing a home is such an emotional experience for the buyers. And though Shelly loves helping her clients navigate the mortgage process, she also enjoys winding down from a long, hectic week. She and her husband typically go out for dinner and a drink, some of that aforementioned great conversation, and a lot of laughter. w

APRIL 2019

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home

R H O DO DENDR O N

8inAPRIL Bloom

B L E E D I NG H E A RT

AZALE A

FLOWERS THAT

NA IN N O R TH C A R O LI

DO G W O O D

V IBUR NUM

COLUMB I N E A N E M O NE

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EA ST ER R O SE

APRIL 2019

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home

passion

in bloom!

SPRING GARDENING

TIPS

that extend their plant lust into collecting and trialing new material, there are several horticulture tips regarding plant placement that will help you “bloom where you are planted” this spring. The first is simply planting in the area deemed most appropriate based on the culture requirements versus the second of trialing it (moving it several times until you feel it works the best). Regardless of the method, proper plant selection is the key. F O R M A N Y AV I D G A R D E N E R S

Admittedly, flowers sell plants, but this is not the first thing that needs to be considered when making your decision. So, let’s assume you have done your research, decided on your plants, and have found a reputable garden center. At the nursery, and despite the hardship it will pose on flower lovers, ignore the colors and focus on the plant. This is where informal horticultural therapy takes charge. w

L K N e x p e rt

Todd Beasley is the director of horticulture at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, located on 380 acres of meadows, woodlands, and lakefront property in Belmont, North Carolina. Give them a call at 704.825.4490 or visit them now at www.dsbg.org.

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Grab the plant! Literally, grab the plant and not the pot. Lift up. If the plant holds and does not come out of the container or does so with roots holding soil, then you have a rooted plant that is being sold in the properly-sized container. Too often, the opposite happens because the grower potted it and then sold it too soon before it fully rooted. If the plant passes the potting test, then check the plant from top to bottom and bottom to top. Make sure you look 360 degrees and under the leaves searching for any anomalies that might indicate pest, disease, or damage.

A good garden center will purchase plants that are theoretically ideal for the area, but this is not a guarantee yours will thrive. Most plant tags simply say generic care tips like “keep moist,” “full sun,” or “medium soil.” This is where having done your research is crucial. Reading about plants, speciﬁcally through the state’s extension agency, will educate you on the exact conditions you should try to replicate for your chosen plants at home. Take caution because “part shade” can imply at least ﬁve different types of shade—and this holds true for full sun, moisture, and soil.

Lastly is the native vs exotic debate. While this era of sustainability argues the value in planting strictly natives, we cannot easily undo what development has destroyed. Therefore, exotics now have a place in our landscapes. However, trying natives ﬁrst would be the preferred and recommended method … not only due to the fact that natives are acclimated for the region in which they are sold, but also due to the beneﬁts they provide to our native pollinators, bug populations that feed songbirds, and of course creating a proper plant community for the balance of nature as a whole.

WRITER TODD BEASLEY

Turn Up the Heat on Your Skin Care.

Beauty and Bliss Spring Event

Friday, May 3, 2019 10 am - 6 pm Call to RSVP or visit MooresvilleDermCenter.com/RSVP

Discuss skin care options with our team, shop for your favorite products, enjoy refreshments from an onsite food truck, enter to win great beauty packages!

New Patients Welcome! • Exceptional Event-Only Savings • Mother’s Day Beauty Bundle • 20% Off Dermal Fillers, Skin Care Products and Treatment Packages Botox $10 per unit · Dysport $3.25 per unit

Book your treatment* or

Buy It and Bank It!

Purchase injectables for a future appointment. *Schedule now! Limited appointments available on May 5, 2019. “Buy It and Bank It” covers one future treatment with a deposit. All treatments must be used within six months of purchase.

Naomi Simon, MD • Scott Paviol, MD

MooresvilleDermCenter.com

ESV

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N TE

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704.235.1827

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128 Medical Park Road, Suite 201 Mooresville, NC 28117

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Board Certified Dermatologists

IL L E D

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where you re

’

planted…

… FIGHTING, SURVIVING, AND BLOOMING! If you hang out in old school boxing gyms, you’ll hear the murmured phrase, “That one’s got heart.” It’s a term of reverence used to describe a fighter who keeps bringing their all into the ring, round after round, no matter if they seem to be winning or losing the fight. When you listen to Naomi Bjerke share her history, the same phrase comes to mind. Naomi’s got heart, in every meaning of the word.

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WRITER CYNDY ETLER

PHOTOGRAPHER CHELSEA BREN

native New Englander, Naomi attended College University of New Hampshire…but she did it on her own timeline. “I took a year off after high school, and that year turned into eight,” she says. “I had to save money, as my parents weren’t paying, and student loans didn’t cover it all.” Her would-be boxing nickname, “The Ticker,” comes from her next line: “After eight years, I went to school full time while still working full time. I graduated magna cum laude.” Can’t you just see the headlines? “Naomi Bjerke Takes a Licking but Keeps on Ticking.” This theme—“It might be hard, but I’m doing the right thing and exceeding everyone’s expectations”— appears over and over throughout her story. Six months before she got married, she started her real estate business. Six months after she got married, her husband was in a major motorcycle accident. He couldn’t function for nine months. Seventeen years later, that business was still rolling, with a history of great referrals and repeat clients.

When her husband got a job offer here in Lake Norman—“A chance for us to escape the freezing cold and snow? YES PLEASE!”—she was thrilled to move to this friendly, exciting place she describes as “a true American melting pot of cultures.” As soon as they arrived, with Naomi full of excitement about launching her new Huntersville business, Realty Boutique, she fell off a curb and tore all the tendons in both feet. And broke an ankle. And a fibula. Four months, one surgery, and some physical therapy later, she was back up and walking, albeit minus her fanciest shoes. APRIL 2019

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Maybe it’s her background in psychology that powers her resolve. She earned her bachelor’s degree in that discipline and put it to use in the business field. She worked as an investment advisor for a large asset management firm, but realized she wasn’t fulfilled. She loved helping people, but the job itself was not her calling. In which direction should she pivot? The answer became clear when her in-laws decided to return to their home country of Norway and asked her to help sell their house. Before long, Naomi obtained her realtor’s license and jumped into the ring for her next round of success. Fast forward to today: Realty Boutique is so successful, Naomi is hiring realtors. She actively seeks out professionals who share her core belief that doing the right thing is the only thing, and in the process, one treats others as they want to be treated.

"That also explains why, after a single year of operation, Realty Boutique has expanded to include three additional agents." This mantra extends to her personal life, as well. When asked what she is proudest of on a personal level, Naomi replies, “I rescue animals. I will pull over for injured animals, whether they’re wild or domestic. I have helped to save and re-home skunks, turkeys, opossum, doves, squirrels, dogs, cats, goose, raccoons… .” She believes that how an individual treats animals bears a direct correlation to who they are, as a person. Meanwhile, karma believes that when your

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deepest, truest objective is to help others, karma’s job is to help you. That explains why Naomi always receives signs on what she should do next, and how she should proceed. One day, early in her career, she was at the closing table as the buyer’s agent. Right after the settlement, the seller stood up and, with his agent standing right next to him, said this: “Next time I buy or sell a home, I’m calling you to represent me, Naomi.” She heard comments like this over and over throughout the years; thus, when she opened her own agency, she knew she wanted to offer her caring, top-tier services equally to both buyers and sellers. That also explains why, after a single year of operation, Realty Boutique has expanded to include three additional agents. They take pride in supporting buyers and sellers alike with personalized service and industry expertise in all of their transactions, from selling multi-million dollar homes to purchasing investment properties. In the case of Naomi Bjerke’s business transition to the Lake Norman area, it’s been all ticking, no licking. The caring she’s provided to humans and animals has ensured that all of life’s punches are in the past. Her one remaining struggle? She has to help people pronounce her last name. When you seek out her services at Realty Boutique, use this handy cheat sheet: it’s spelled Bjerke, but pronounced Beurkie. Have no fear, though; Naomi’s too nice to be an actual fighter. Even if you mess up her name, she’ll be nothing but heart. w

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women on the

move

Mooresville author and retired educator CONNIE EVANS has spent decades researching and sharing life’s experiences and the valuable lessons that emerged. Now available in her new book, Collecting My Thoughts: A Legacy of Learning, readers of all walks of life will ﬁnd meaning within its pages (cothoughts.com).

SHANNON HUNEYCUTT is the owner of Spark Joy Charlotte and is Charlotte’s only certiﬁed KonMari Consultant (KonMari founder Marie Kondo is a tidying expert, best-selling author, and star of Netﬂix’s hit show, Tidying Up With Marie Kondo). Shannon’s business serves Charlotte and the entire Lake Norman area.

Local author LISA WILLIAMS KLINE has penned nine novels for young people, including the ﬁve-book Sisters in All Seasons series (Zondervan) and Eleanor Hill (Carus), which won the North Carolina Juvenile Literature Award. Her latest book, One Week of You (Blue Crow Publishing) is now available.

EXECUTIVE WOMEN OF LAKE NORMAN “Lady Leaders of the Lake” has been selected for the 2018 Best of Cornelius Award in the Community Organization category by the Cornelius Award Program.

CONNECT Whether you are a woman on the move, looking WITH US! for events, new businesses in the area, or are willing to contribute your opinion, follow us by visiting www.facebook.com/lakenormanwoman or e-mail leslie@lakenormanwoman.com.

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Let us help break the seasonal allergy cycle. If you’ve suffered with seasonal allergies year after year, it’s tempting to try over-the-counter remedies that may help ease symptoms, but can leave you groggy or drowsy. Our board-certified allergists can test you to discover exactly what you are allergic to, create a customized treatment plan that over time can lessen the severity of your allergies, and, in many cases, cure your allergies altogether!

Call 704.372.7900 to schedule an appointment at one of our area office locations.

breathe » live » thrive | carolinaasthma.com

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calendar

5 THINGS AN LKN

OMAN SHOULD DO IN APRIL

FRIDAY, APRIL 12SUNDAY, APRIL 14

26TH ANNUAL LOCH NORMAN HIGHLAND GAMES

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

‘TAWBA WALK ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL

This eclectic art crawl snakes through the heart of Cornelius, featuring local vendors, live street performances, shopping, amazing food and more.

Highland dancing, bagpipes, athletics, Kid’s Zone, merchants, hearth cooking, NC beer and wine, whiskey tastings, kilted running events, competitions and more.

Free Admission / 2pm-8pm Downtown Cornelius / 19725 Oak Street / Cornelius

$6-$20 Admission / Times Vary Historic Rural Hill 4431 Neck Rd. / Huntersville

More information: www.cornelius.org

3 w

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More information: www.lochnorman.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 27 SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH

ANNUAL LATTA EASTER EGG HUNT

Children ages one to ten hunt for eggs ﬁlled with treats and dozens of grand-prize eggs. Day includes photo opportunities with Baxter the Bunny, story-time, crafts, and farm animals.

$8 Admission / 10am-2pm Historic Latta Plantation / 5225 Sample Rd. / Huntersville More Information: www.lattaplantation.org

EARTH JAM 2019

Enjoy free “green” activities including arts & crafts, demonstrations, wildlife habitat improvements, nature walks, and more!

Free Admission / 4pm-7pm Robbins Park / 17738 W Catawba Ave. / Cornelius More information: www.cornelius.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 27 – SUNDAY, APRIL 28

DAVIDSON’S ART ON THE GREEN

Enjoy art, live music, and food at this juried art festival featuring booths ﬁlled with top-quality art works from artists throughout the region.

Free Admission / 4pm-8pm Davidson Village Green/ 216 South Main Street/ Davidson More Information: www.ci.davidson.nc.us

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Scene WITH

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KonMari consultant Shannon Huneycutt and LKNW’s Michele at a recent outing

BE SCENE LAKE NORMAN WOMAN is getting out and about each month, looking for great events and the fabulous and exciting Lake Norman people who are making them happen! So next time you’re at a chamber event, a new business in the area, or just out having fun, look for Lake Norman Woman and our camera. Who knows, you just might find yourself in next month’s

LKNW’s Stephanie, Michele, Chelsea, Dana, and Tia enjoying lunch at Hello, Sailor

LKNW’s Stephanie and Andrea Wagoner of NC Weight & Wellness at their recent grand opening celebration

“SCENE WITH LAKE NORMAN WOMAN!”

Scene photos

on our Facebook page at: Lake Norman Woman

LKNW’s Stephanie with Julia Krauss of Aussie Pet Mobile

Dr. Julie Spivey of Lake Norman Pediatric Dentistry, now open in Denver, with LKNW’s Michele Schuermann

Summer

WATER FRONT

Robinson Tabor 19 years of Real Estate Experience

704-502-2352

LakeNormanSummer@aol.com

www.SummerTabor.com

218 Wildwood Cove Drive, Mooresville $989,000 Waterfront home in Wildwood Cove. Truly enjoy the outdoor living space with screened porch, deck and covered terrace. Lovely custom ranch home with finished basement. Great views of Lake Norman in a wide cove. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Almost 4200 sqft. Unfinished storage area also heated/cooled.

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233 Fernbrook Drive, Mooresville $649,000 Waterfront home on Lake Norman. Full brick home with finished basement. Private boat dock. Master on the main. Tons of space with almost 4200 sqft. Five bedrooms, three baths. Deck off the back. Walk to Lake Norman Elementary.

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FEATURE

woman to watch on TENACITY: In January 2007, I opened Armstrong Robinson Realtors with my real estate partner. By the end of 2007, the market had collapsed in our area. We stayed open through the worst real estate market that most people had seen in many years. It taught me to be very tenacious. Because there were no homes selling, we started property management and were able to keep our business aﬂoat. I learned a lot during that time, about people – the good, bad, and the ugly. on BEING SUPERWOMAN: Being a woman in today’s world can be challenging. We are expected to work a full-time job, take care of the children, cook, clean, shop for groceries and clothes, be the kids’ taxi driver, be in the PTA, and somehow have a social life. Time management is crucial for your sanity! My advice is to take advantage of the grocery pick-up, and if you can afford it, get a housekeeper. There’s nothing nicer than coming home to a clean house that you didn’t have to clean. We are all super women, but sometimes even Super Woman could use some life hacks. on FINDING CALM IN CHAOS:

Being able to remain calm has been so helpful in my life. I love to joke and laugh, but when a stressful situation arises, I use my reasoning skills and remain calm. In the real estate business, I learned pretty quickly to not sweat the small stuff. I have seen people scream and yell like toddlers when they don’t get their way. Being calm while you are overcoming the obstacles, and not freaking out, is crucial.

summer robinson tabor LAKE NORMAN REALTY Davidson

summer

ROBINSON TABOR LKNW RECOGNIZES A WOMAN DOING EXCEPTIONAL WORK IN THE L A K E N O R M A N C O M M U N I T Y, A L E A D E R W H O I S PA V I N G T H E W AY T O C H A N G I N G O U R AT T I T U D E S A N D I N S P I R I N G C O N F I D E N C E I N T H E F U T U R E .

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on WHAT MATTERS MOST: Two years ago, my 10-month-old daughter became very sick with the respiratory virus, RSV. She ended up in the ICU for a week on a high-ﬂow breathing machine. After many quiet nights just sitting and holding my baby while she slept, it hit me – THAT was what it’s all about – family. At ﬁrst, I had worried about work and getting everything done, but in that moment, looking down at her, everything else melted away. Life is short and it can be hard. Raising children is not for the weak or meek, but it all boils down to our love for our family. w Summer is a real estate broker and consultant in the Lake Norman/Charlotte area. She has been a broker for more than 19 years and is also a listing agent and assists buyers as well. You may contact Summer at 704.502.2352.

WRITER MICHELLE LOVE

PHOTOGRAPHER CHELSEA BREN

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self

BLOOMING THROUGH

mindfulness

H A V E YO U E V E R W O N D E R E D H O W S O M E P E O P L E S E E M TO E F F O R T L E S S LY B LO S S O M W H I L E OT H E R S W I LT ?

The effortlessness is not subconscious, however, but rather intentional. Those who blossom embrace and utilize the endless possibilities that empower them. They recognize, validate, and honor the importance of “true self.” The possibilities are tucked within the buds of their being and include physical, mental, and emotional health along with spirituality. These blossoms create a circle of wellness encompassing mindfulness, meditation, introspection, and reflection.

Mindfulness and meditation open a path to the roots of how your world and being affect your aura. Introspection involves analyzing your emotions or thought s; it is the cogitate arena. Mindfulness is being aware of where you are and discovering life without judgment; it is the observer arena. When a person shifts from introspection to mindfulness, they are able to pause, take a deep breath, and be present in the moment. Quiet introspection is a valuable step in obtaining empowerment coupled with meditation. This practice quiets the voices and allows for a focus on the here and now … concentrating on what is actually happening verses what story your brain is creating. Mindfulness and meditation are holding spaces for stillness (not thinking), curiosity (not judging), and openness (not resisting). Meditation is a practice that allows for awareness in order to achieve mental clarity and calmness. Discover your sacred space – a comfortable area of your home or perhaps an outdoor space where you can be calm and quiet. Open the door to your quiet place. It is here for you to begin to blossom. Your inner peace flowers and projects serenity. It is here you detach from chaos and focus on being present. By ridding yourself of negative thoughts, you truly reflect on the whole of your being. You let go. You step outside of the maze of mental abstractions, conflicting issues, churning worries, and anxious anticipation. The person who blossoms is mindful of the beauty of now and lives in the

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present. Simply opening yourself and embracing the moment cultivates a deepened state of authenticity. Reflection solidifies the process, nourishing your inner layers and allowing for (re)connection. Journaling can become part of the reflective process by transferring thoughts to paper creating a visual. This heedful process can take merely 20 minutes, yet sets the stage for grandeur. How would it look to start your day with a clear mind? Replenish your body with a large glass of water and enter your sacred space. Close your eyes, inhale through your nose for a count of three, exhale through your mouth for a count of seven, and repeat. Allow your mind and heart to open and ask for guidance, envision success, and practice gratitude. Mindfulness, reflection, and meditation are not designed to “fix” but rather create an awareness of one’s situational and emotional clarity. The person who blossoms has risen above pretense, mundane thoughts, petty differences, and uncontrollable worries. There is a depth, a focus, and a joy to life! w

L K N e x p e rt

Katie Stankiewicz is the owner of Willow Equine and Mind, Body & Sole Equine. As a certified leadership coach and equine specialist, Katie transforms personal challenges into authentic successes with the aid of her horses and equine assisted personal development. For more information on her services, visit www.WillowEquinetherapy.com or call 704.237.0644. WRITER KATIE STANKIEWICZ

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family According to WebMD, autism is a complex brain development disorder. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning people with autism may have a range of symptoms (to varying degrees) that affect communication, social, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;stereotyped,â&#x20AC;? or routine behaviors. Here are some other noteworthy facts about autism: Autism Speaks sta tes that approximate ly 1 in 68 American children, accountin g for more than 3.5 mi llion Americans, are on the autism sp ectrum; and the disorder is more pr evalent in boys, wi th an estimated 1 out of 42 boys diagnos ed as opposed to 1 in 189 girls.

Despite the disruptive behaviors, most people with autism are intellectually exceptional, often excelling in visual skills, music, and academics. While it is estimated that 40 percent have an IQ less than 70, many have above-average intelligence.

Babies with autism may not make t op pr er eye contac , ile sm with others, follow an object with their eyes, grasp an object, babble, or pay attention to new or engaging stimuli. Any concerns are worthy of a trip to your doctor.

Since there is no cure for autism, early diagnosis and intervention is imperative. Treatments include educational and behavioral strategies, medications, and other therapies.

While diagnosis is easier to make for a child from 2 to 6 years old, researchers now say that children as young as 4 months may exhibit signs.

MONTH! S S E EN AU R A T ISM AW w

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For more information on autism, visit www.webmd.com.

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FEATURE

success story

morgan rhodes Kindred Equestrian MOORESVILLE, NC

“Horses teach us so much, and they can so often be the VIP’s of our story…”

lessons from the

barn

at some point in your life – burn out. We women tend to push and push ourselves, never making time for self-care. We tend to everyone else’s needs but our own, and that often leads to burn out. Morgan Brawley Rhodes is no different. “I ran an equestrian program right out of college,” she shares. “We did it all – every show, everything – and I loved my students, but I sure learned a lesson in burn out.” C H A N C E S A R E YO U ’ V E F E LT I T

Morgan is the owner and trainer at Kindred Equestrian in Mooresville. She grew up in Mooresville, and her family’s roots run deep. You may notice her maiden name, Brawley. “My family has been here since the late 1700s,” she explains, “the Brawley’s were here well before there was a lake.” After high school, Morgan left for Virginia to attend college, earning her degree in equestrian studies from Virginia Intermont College. “There are so many important life lessons that come from the barn,” Morgan says. “Horses teach us so much, and they can so often be the VIP’s of our story,” she adds. Interestingly enough, she describes the most significant life lesson in her own life was her divorce. “It taught me that I am the heroine of my own story,” she describes. Four months after her daughter was born, Morgan realized she was facing divorce. Taking it as a call to

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action, and finding the courage in herself, she restructured her life as a single mom. “It takes great courage, an amazing support system, and a deep belief in faith and yourself,” she says, “with a little prayer too.” Morgan and Lillian, now 1 year old, live in Troutman with their two dogs, both Parson Russell Terriers, Eddie and Lux. Morgan’s favorite hobby is agility. She describes, “I run agility with both of my dogs, and my eldest, Eddie, has six Master Agility Championships. We have been to the AKC Invitational three times – and you must be in the top five of your breed to even be invited!” Her younger dog, Lux, is just getting started but has great potential. One great lesson Morgan has shared is to take the advice of the scripture in 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast your cares on him because he cares for you.” This scripture reminds her to pray when she is unsure of things. “Setting out on your own in pursuit of your dreams is very hard work,” Morgan admits, “especially as a single mom, but I believe we are led in directions that are better than we could have imagined for ourselves.” She is thankful her path led her back to the barn. w WRITER MICHELLE LOVE

PHOTOGRAPHER TONI LOVEJOY

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21memorable

ove By: chels

moments

MEMORIES FROM PAGES PAST

ea Bren

APRIL 2011 Dana paid the following tribute to her “Memom” in April 2011:

“She never let me forget how much she believed in me, even when I didn’t always believe in myself, reassuring me with her trademark big kiss and the words, ‘Memom knows you can, sugar.’”

APRIL 2012 Tammy Stowe graces our April 2012 cover with her contagious smile and Lake Norman spirit.

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navi to m gati ng m ake drea ortgag e lo ms co ta m e tr ans monammy stow ue rch mo e of rtgage

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favor ite

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What Do

SucceSSful Wo men in Sma

Memom & Dana

APRIL 2014 p u b l is h e r How Kenda Leavine stays plugged in: “I keep up with family and friends via Facebook, read the news s aand l e scheck the weather on my phone,juland get i@laken ormanwoman.c om up-to-the-minute updates on world events on Twitter.”

a s s o c ia t e p u b l is h e r coral@lakenorm anwoman.com

c o -e d it o r leslie@lakenorm am anwomaIn.c om

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APRIL 2017 Shelly Quinn “Sometimes you go down a path and, as long as you’re moving in the right direction, art your career will d ir e c t o r ﬁnd you.” chelsea@lakenorm anwoman.com

-e d it o r an LKN Woman because:

y@lakenorman “I love the serenity am the woman.com water provides, the sense of St ac ey H in m an, c h ri st ie community that exists, the wal in, k ar en Si m ps o n, k im r ey n o ld s, c to famliy, and the commitment h ar lo tt e B le as d al e, m ic h el le H relaxing nature of the people who call Lake Norman home.

APRIL 2016 Kathy McLeod

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boss?

ll BuSineSS have in com mon?

a pr il c o n tr ib u te r s:

APRIL 2015 Dr. Sharon Holley, in our “Get Plugged In” issue, told LKNW readers about her go-to-gadget, her magic bullet blender.

are you

a good

APRIL 2013 Jeri Bullock had some great advice for our readers on how to “spring into action”:

“Consider something that makes you happy, envision how it makes you feel, and smile. Then go outside, get moving, and enjoy the day that God has given us!”

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B E T T E R M E … B E T T E R YO U … B E T T E R W O R L D

MIND body spirit By mixing the ingredients of attitude and action, we can change the flavor of our own lives. Learn to nurture your body and soul to lead a more balanced life.

always {BE IN BLOOM!{ BEING A WOMAN, A WIFE, A N D A M O M , sometimes there

is a struggle as to which one comes ﬁrst. Now come on, let’s just let our hair down here and be girlfriends for a minute. I’m gonna let you in on a secret … every single day I am living an identity crisis. I am Carl’s wife, Grace’s mom, Cathy’s daughter … everybody but ME! Some days it’s downright exhausting, and other days it wants to lead me down the road to depression. I’m sitting on three degrees yet I’m a gloriﬁed Über driver, cook, accountant, scheduler, and all-around hustler six days a week. I didn’t go to school for any of this yet here I am. Can I get an AMEN!? Then there’s “Fakebook”—all of my “friends” with their perfect lives, perfect overachieving kids, perfect vacays, etc. Another reminder on how far I have NOT come and what I have left to check off my bottomless bucket list. So, what to do?

Bloom where you are! Be who you are, not who you think you should be, wanted to be, or even who “they” say you are. You will never get back the moments you secretly have been counting down. Last year I was ecstatic about my oldest child graduating from college, and I thought it would be a new chapter in our lives. Little did I know that 30 days after graduating, she would pack up, move across the country to California, and start HER new life without ME. It taught me some lessons worth sharing:

NURTURE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU. Take

time to connect with who you are today and congratulate yourself for making it this far. You may not be who you thought you would be or where you hoped to be ﬁnancially, but no one is and comparison kills. You are still here!

PRUNE THE OVERGROWTH IN YOUR LIFE.

Whenever you cut back trees, you are able to get rid of the dead limbs while revitalizing others that were stunted because of them. Friendships and acquaintances are like trees, and we should always be pruning. Inspect what you expect from these relationships and then settle for nothing less.

RESPECT THE GROWTH PROCESS. Admit

it, you bought into the belief that you can have it all. Truth is you can have it all just not all at the same time. Your kids will eventually be able to navigate life without you, so enjoy these moments … the beauty of NOW! No matter what stage or phase of life you are in today, make a decision to not only survive it but to thrive in it.

Life is full of plot twists and key changes; lean into them and sow seeds of gratitude along the way. As you water them with purpose and intention, you will reap a harvest beyond comprehension. w Shawn Hall lives in Mooresville and is the founder of All Roads Education, a college admissions and scholarships company. Visit her at allroadseducation.com.

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WRITER SHAWN HALL

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